Fulbright Scholar Award

All Disciplines

Kosovo

Application Deadline
Monday, September 16, 2024
Award Code
25197-KV
Activity Type
Professional Project
The Professional Project activity type provides professionals and artists in various fields the opportunity to interact with relevant organizations abroad to explore a topic related to their field without answering a defined research question. Professional Projects may include: professional consultations; artist residencies; visits to organizations in the applicant's field; practical experience in day-to-day operations; public lectures; mentoring; arranging exhibitions, performances or musical compilations; preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews); exchange of expertise with other professionals; participation in public events; or other appropriate professional activities.
Research
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Teaching
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. (or other terminal degree) not required
Career Profile
Early Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Exactly
3
Award Start Period
September 2025 - April 2026
Award Length
3 months - 9 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Projects are sought in all disciplines
Scholars selected for this award will be required to
Advise and/or mentor students
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant’s choosing
Conduct a professional and/or artistic project
Award Activity

Conduct research, teach or a combination of teaching and research in any field at an appropriate host institution in Kosovo.

In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars will be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary research or teaching activities‎.

Locations
Location Selection: Applicant may propose an appropriate host
Locations Detail

Scholars are welcome to submit applications affiliated with any appropriate institution in Kosovo, including accredited higher education institutions (please see this link for additional accredited institutions in Kosovo) and different government institutions or entities. Applicants should keep in mind the linguistic barriers in Kosovo when identifying locations for their grant, and are encouraged to consider affiliations throughout the country. 

During the application phase, applicants are recommended to reach out to potential hosts beforehand. Letters of invitation are recommended/preferred when applying under All Disciplines for Kosovo. 

Award Length and Period

For teaching awards at accredited higher education institutions, applications will be considered for one semester (i.e. four months) or the entire academic year (i.e. nine months).

For teaching awards at accredited universities, grants must occur between September 2025 and June 2026.

Areas of Interest

Media Literacy, Public Health, Common Vulnerabilities Exposures (CVE), Cyber Security, Investigative Journalism, Women Studies, Public Administration, and other fields of expertise of the applicant.

Special Features

The host institutions will provide assistance on offering logistical assistance in finding housing or schools for dependents.

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Not applicable – all U.S. citizens are eligible to apply, regardless of dual citizenship or residency.
Invitation Requirement
A letter of invitation is preferred.
Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient
Additional Comments

U.S. Embassy Pristina is willing to offer assistance with connections to specific universities or other host institutions.

Applicants may contact the following:
Remzije Potoku, Higher Education Specialist, U.S. Embassy Pristina PotokuRK@state.gov
Gresa Koca, U.S. Embassy Pristina, kocaga@state.gov
Gjeni Shporta, American Councils, uskeb@americancouncils.org
Nora Nimani Musa, American Councils, nmusa@americancouncils.org

Award Allowances

Grant benefits include a monthly maintenance allowance, comprised of a base stipend and living and housing allowances. The base stipend varies based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent). Living and housing allowances vary based on the city of placement, and the number of accompanying dependents.

Researcher and Professional Project Monthly Allowances
$3870
$3870
Teaching or Teaching/Research Award Monthly Allowances
$4640
$4860
Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

$4,250

 

Estimated Book and Research Allowance

$1,500 books and educational materials allowance for teaching and teaching/research grants; should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure.

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes

Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $150/month to $300/month. In addition, travel allowances are provided for up to two dependents. These amounts range from $2,750 to $5,500. 

Reimbursement for dependent education expenses may be available on a limited basis, depending on funding availability and grant duration. Grantees should confirm with IIE that proposed expenses meet eligibility criteria; however, availability of funds may not be known until the end of the academic year. 

Kosovo

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

Kosovo is the youngest European country, in the heart of the Balkans. With 70 percent of the population under 35, it is young and vibrant. Pristina, the capital city, officially has around 200,000 inhabitants, but that number swells during the business day to nearly 500,000. It is very easy to navigate, with a strong café culture, many great restaurants, and a large international community. Every other major town is within 90 minutes of Pristina, including Prizren (the cultural capital of Kosovo), Peja and Gjakova (hubs for outdoor enthusiasts). More information on Kosovo and tourism can be found here and here. 

A culturally Muslim country, but very liberal in practice, Kosovo is widely considered to be one of the most pro-American countries in the world, with a U.S. favorability rating of more than 95 percent of the population. The ongoing dispute over Kosovo's independence from Serbia creates a unique dynamic, especially with the Kosovo-Serb minority population.  

Since Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008, its higher-education system has slowly been making progress towards a more Western-oriented approach, based on the Bologna System. U.S. Fulbright Scholars have significantly helped to expand the knowledge of students and professors who might otherwise not have the opportunity to study or travel abroad. 

Higher education in Kosovo consists of eight state universities and one college: the University of Pristina "Hasan Prishtina” is Kosovo's largest university; the University of Prizren "Ukshin Hoti”; the University of Gjakova “Fehmi Agani”; the University of Gjilan "Kadri Zeka"; the University of Mitrovica "Isa Boletini"; the University of Peja "Haxhi Zeka"; and the University of Applied Sciences (UASF) in Ferizaj, Faculty of Islamic Studies and the International Business College Mitrovica (for more information , please check this link. There are 11 private institutions of higher education (for more information, please check this link. The academic calendar consists of two semesters (October-January and February-May).  Exams are generally offered at the end of each semester. 

The Fulbright Program in Kosovo is 14 years old, but undergoing a significant expansion thanks to a joint investment of funds by the Government of Kosovo and the United States. Significant opportunities remain to make a difference in the state of education in the country. Knowledge of the Albanian language is beneficial, but not a requirement.

Families are welcome and opportunities for K-12 education are available. You may reach out to us, and we will provide you with a list of K-12 schools taught in English.  

Medical facilities in Kosovo consist of the government-sponsored University Clinical Center and private medical clinics. Medical facilities outside Pristina have limited capabilities. For more information, please see this link.

Public transportation is available. Taxis are generally an inexpensive, safe, and a reliable means of transportation.  

U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Kosovo and may be asked to provide documentation stating the purpose of their visit. No visa is required for trips of up to 90 days. For work, study, or visits longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at Pristina’s Directorate for Migration and Foreigners. To apply for a temporary residence permit, you will need to provide proof of health insurance and an official police background check report issued in the United States prior to travel. See our Criminal Records checks page on our website. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist you in obtaining background checks, certificates of conduct, or fingerprints. For all public information related to entry, exit, and visa requirements available to U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Kosovo, see this link

Prospective applicants may contact the U.S. Embassy directly with questions or for clarification. The primary point of contact for the Fulbright Program is Remzije Potoku, Higher Education Specialist, at PotokuRK@state.gov

U.S. Embassy in Kosovo 

United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB)